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The synaptology and cytology of the Clarke cell in nucleus dorsalis of the cat: an electron microscopic study

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Journal of Neurocytology

Summary

Nucleus dorsalis of the adult cat atL3 has been examined electron microscopically, and six types of terminal bouton recognized. Types 1 and 2 consist of elongated giant boutons (5–25 μm) containing numerous mitochondria and neurofilaments, and circular and elliptical vesicles respectively, which establish repeated synaptic contacts along the surface of the Clarke cell soma and primary dendrites.

Types 3 and 4 consist of small boutons (1–3.5 μm) containing circular and elliptical vesicles respectively, which are densely packed over the soma, the main dendrites, and axon hillock of the Clarke cell but not at the initial segment. Type 3 boutons exhibit membrane complexes characterized by a short active zone and wide synaptic cleft. The type 4 boutons exhibit a long active zone, with a narrow synaptic cleft. Type 5 boutons consist of a club-like giant bouton with circular vesicles, and contain presynaptic tubular reticulum. They exhibit synaptic complexes similar to those of types 1 and 3. Type 5 boutons are presynaptic to numerous spinous projections, and establish axo-axonic contacts with several tiny boutons of type 6 which contain polymorphic vesicles. Each type of bouton contacting the Clarke cell surface directly (types 1–5) is randomly distributed on both soma and primary dendrites. The axo-axonic contact between type 5 and 6 boutons shows symmetrical active zones andpuncta adherentia.

The general characteristics of the club boutons of type 5 appear to be similar to those of the M-knob found on the spinal motoneuron in the same species (Conradi, 1969; McLaughlin, 1972b): these may therefore represent primary muscle spindle afferent terminals.

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Author notes

  1. Kiichiro Saito (IBRO Fellow)

    Present address: The 2nd Department of Anatomy School of Medicine, Nihon University, Tokyo, Japan

Authors and Affiliations

  1. The Brain Research Institute, University of Zürich, August Forel Strasse 1, 8008, Zürich, Switzerland

    Kiichiro Saito (IBRO Fellow)

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  1. Kiichiro Saito
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Saito, K. The synaptology and cytology of the Clarke cell in nucleus dorsalis of the cat: an electron microscopic study. J Neurocytol 3, 179–197 (1974). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01098388

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01098388

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